WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement after the President signed the United States-Israel Enchanced Security Cooperation Act into law today:

“I applaud President Obama for continuing to make a strong U.S.-Israel relationship a cornerstone of his foreign policy. Today’s signing of the U.S.-Israel Enhanced Security Cooperation Act into law, which I was proud to cosponsor, reaffirms the bipartisan nature of support for Israel in our country and in Congress.

“As both of our nations work together to confront the challenge of Iran’s nuclear ambitions, our shared values and shared ideals of democracy, respect for human rights, and desire for regional peace and security compel closer military and intelligence ties. The enactment of this bill, which will strengthen those ties, comes on the heels of several major actions this Administration has already taken to stand strongly with our ally Israel. These include President Obama’s use of his authority to sanction entities investing in Iran’s energy sector, closer cooperation with our allies in Europe and around the world to isolate Iran until it abandons its nuclear weapons program, support for the development and deployment of the Iron Dome anti-rocket system, a veto of the Palestinian Authority’s unilateral effort to gain recognition at the United Nations without a final peace agreement with Israel, and the largest expansion of foreign assistance to Israel in American history.

“I am proud to be one of the many who stand with Israel in Congress – a group large in number and strong in determination to continue bringing our nations closer as we pursue our common goals. Those goals remain a secure Israel at peace with its neighbors and stability in the Middle East.”